Be a good girl.” For many South Asian women, this phrase echoes through childhood like a lullaby — comforting on the surface, but haunting when you pause to reflect. It’s not just advice; it’s a code of conduct. A loaded instruction manual for how to exist — or rather, how not to exist too loudly. Behind this simple phrase lies a deeply rooted cultural narrative that glorifies self-sacrifice, emotional control, and quiet obedience. And while this ideal may bring societal approval, it often comes at a steep cost: the silencing of emotional truth and the erosion of personal identity. What Does It Mean to Be a “Good Girl” in South…